Premier League Rumors: Ighalo Sacrificing Big Money To Stay with Manchester United

Odion Ighalo may be on loan with Manchester United but it appears the Nigerian striker wants to stay there as a regular. Ighalo has proven critics wrong and is allegedly willing to take a huge pay cut to remain in Old Trafford.

According to The Sun, Ighalo plans to stay with the Red Devils beyond the current season. The 30-year-old is on loan from Shanghai Shenhua but has been making waves since joining the team at the January transfer window. So far, he has scored four goals in eight appearances in all competitions with more to come.

Worth noting here is that Ighalo holds a live contract in China until January 2021. With his impressive showing, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may want to weigh his options - one that could include a possible contract buyout. Curiously, Ighalo gave up about $7.3 million per season - half the amount he earns in the Chinese Super League, Yahoo Sports reported.

Equally interesting is what lies ahead for Ighalo. Marcus Rashford could be returning to active duty soon, meaning the Nigerian striker could see lesser minutes moving forward. Ighalo may have likely factored that in and seems pretty much content with whatever role and time would be given tom him in the field. But if his showing is any indication, there is also the chance that he could be used more frequently.

Ighalo has made critics red in the face as most belittled the addition of the former Watford player. Solskjaer saw something most were unable to see and that has now been reaping dividends. A professed United fan, chances are high that Ighalo will eventually be rewarded with a permanent move and long-term deal once competitive football resumes, Goal.com reported.

“Odion is reaping what he deserves after many sacrifices, after many years around Europe," Ighalo's agent Patrick Bastianelli said to Tuttosport. “Manchester is a prize for everything he’s shown in recent years.”

Like most players and leagues, Ighalo and Manchester United will have to hold on to that thought. The coronavirus has placed the whole world on pause with the number of people affected by the pandemic seemingly growing by the day.